Category Archives: Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli

Research – Genomic surveillance of STEC/EHEC infections in Germany 2020 to 2022 permits insight into virulence gene profiles and novel O-antigen gene clusters

Posted on March 18, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Science Direct

Abstract

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including the subgroup of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), are important bacterial pathogens which cause diarrhea and the severe clinical manifestation hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Genomic surveillance of STEC/EHEC is a state-of-the-art tool to identify infection clusters and to extract markers of circulating clinical strains, such as their virulence and resistance profile for risk assessment and implementation of infection prevention measures. The aim of the study was characterization of the clinical STEC population in Germany for establishment of a reference data set. To that end, from 2020 to 2022 1257 STEC isolates, including 39 of known HUS association, were analyzed and lead to a classification of 30.4 % into 129 infection clusters. Major serogroups in all clinical STEC analyzed were O26, O146, O91, O157, O103, and O145; and in HUS-associated strains were O26, O145, O157, O111, and O80. stx1 was less frequently and stx2 or a combination of stx, eaeA and ehxA were more frequently found in HUS-associated strains. Predominant stx gene subtypes in all STEC strains were stx1a (24 %) and stx2a (21 %) and in HUS-associated strains were mainly stx2a (69 %) and the combination of stx1a and stx2a (12.8 %). Furthermore, two novel O-antigen gene clusters (RKI6 and RKI7) and strains of serovars O45:H2 and O80:H2 showing multidrug resistance were detected. In conclusion, the implemented surveillance tools now allow to comprehensively define the population of clinical STEC strains including those associated with the severe disease manifestation HUS reaching a new surveillance level in Germany.

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Posted in E.coli O103, E.coli O145, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, E.coli O26, E.coli O26 :H11, eae, EHEC, Emerging Pathogen, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Food Pathogen, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, O103, O146, Pathogen, pathogenic, STEC, STEC E.coli, STX 1, STX 2

Research – The Science of Shiga Toxin-Producing (Verotoxin-Producing) Escherichia coli (STEC): An Ongoing One Health Journey toward Improved Health and Food Safety—Editorial Summary

Posted on February 10, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), also termed Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), is a human pathogen transmitted by food, water, animals, and their environment, and from one person to another [1]. The pathogen typically causes diarrheal illness but can also cause severe systemic disease, particularly in children and the elderly [1]. Virulence is associated with a type III secretion system, which enables injection of bacterial effector proteins into host cells [2]. In addition, Shiga toxins can damage the kidneys and lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No specific treatment is available for STEC infection. To date, there have been advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and genomics of STEC, many of which are discussed in this Special Issue: “The Science of Shiga Toxin-Producing (Verotoxin-Producing) Escherichia coli (STEC): An Ongoing One Health Journey toward Improved Health and Food Safety”, with new data and novel methodologies and technologies to enhance our understanding. In the present day, dangerous outbreaks still occur. In September 2023, Canada experienced an outbreak linked to children daycares which resulted in 446 cases of the disease, with 38 children hospitalized and 23 diagnosed with HUS; fortunately, there were no fatalities [3].
In order to reduce the incident of human illness, a better understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of STEC infection is needed, with an emphasis on a One Health-approach solution to the disease. This Special Issue of Microorganisms gathers six articles addressing various aspects of STEC research, related to its pathogenesis and epidemiology (1–3), metagenomics (4), host interactions (4), and the persistence of STEC in the environment (5). Much of this work answers critical questions related to the complex interactions between pathogen, humans, animals, and the environment.
Future STEC research should focus on (i) strengthening integrated surveillance systems that encompass human, animal, and environmental monitoring to better understand STEC epidemiology; (ii) investigating host immune responses to different STEC strains to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions; (iii) continued research on reservoirs and transmission dynamics; (iv) studying antimicrobial resistance patterns in STEC strains and understanding their implications for treatment and control measures, (v) investing in research for the development of vaccines against STEC to prevent infections or reduce the severity of disease; (vi) fostering international collaboration to share data, resources, and expertise for a more comprehensive global understanding of STEC . Scientific meetings, for example, the International Symposium on Shiga Toxin (Verocytoxin) Producing E. coli Infections (VTEC 2023) held in May 2023 in Banff, Alberta, Canada, should continue. This meeting is linked to the current Special Issue and enabled over 200 researchers from around the world to share data, collaborate, and develop solutions regarding STEC. The next triennial conference is scheduled in Aberdeen, the UK, in 2026.

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Posted in Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Food Microbiology Research, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, Research, Shigatoxin, STEC, STEC E.coli

Belgium – “Morbier” cheese (200g) from the Spar brand – EHEC/STEC – E.coli

Posted on December 19, 2023 by | Leave a comment

afsca

Recall of SPAR Lambrechts
Product: “Morbier” cheese (200g) from the Spar brand

Nature of the problem: Possible presence of E. Coli. (EHEC)

In agreement with the FASFC, SPAR Lambrechts is withdrawing a reference of the SPAR brand “Morbier” cheese (200g) from sale and recalling it from consumers due to the possible presence of E. Coli. (EHEC).

SPAR Lambrechts asks its customers not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale where it was purchased.

Product Description :

– Product: MORBIER cheese (200g)
– Brand: SPAR
– Item number: 932 510881
– Expiration dates (DDM): 12/21/2023 and 12/24/2023

The product was distributed to various points of sale including:

Pirson Jules and daughter Rue de la fochette 1 5101 Rents
Guillemins vegetable garden Rue entre deux ville 12 4670 Blegny
Alidel Rue du petit-waret 167C 5300 Andenne
Proxipen Rue de velaine 46 5101 Erpent

For any questions, please contact the store where you made the purchase or the supplier at +31 (0)172-630115.

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Posted in EHEC, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, STEC, STEC E.coli

Belgium – MORBIER AOP cheese- EHEC E.coli -STEC E.coli

Posted on December 19, 2023 by | Leave a comment

afsca

Product: MORBIER AOP cheese.
Problem: Possible presence of E. Coli. (EHEC).

Following notification via the RASFF system (European Food and Feed rapid alert system), the AFSCA withdraws MORBIER AOP cheese from sale and recalls it from consumers due to the possible presence of E. Coli . (EHEC).

The FASFC asks not to consume this product and to return it to the point of sale from which it was purchased.

Product description

– Name of product: MORBIER AOP
cheese – Expiry dates (DLC): all dates until 3/1/2024
– Nature of packaging: portion in plastic film
– Weight: +- 212 g

The product was distributed by various points of sale including the Intermarché and Intermarché by Mestdagh stores.

For any further information, you can contact the FASFC contact point for consumers: 0800/13.550 or pointdecontact@afsca.be.

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Posted in afsca, EHEC, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, STEC, STEC E.coli

Belgium – MORBIER MONT DES JOUX – EHEC E.coli

Posted on December 18, 2023 by | Leave a comment

afsca

Product description:

Name: MORBIER MONT DES JOUX
Brand: LOUIS
Type of cheese: Hard raw milk cheese
Expiry date (TGT): until 03-01-2024

The product was sold through Match and Smatch stores. Please do not consume the product and return it to the store.

Health recommendation:

The EHEC may possibly lead to a gastrointestinal infection in the week following consumption, possibly with bloody diarrhea with or without fever. In very severe cases, kidney disorders can occur in young children. People who have consumed this product and with such a condition are requested to consult their doctor and report this consumption.

Contact your doctor if you notice blood in the diarrhea, if there is a high fever or if the diarrhea has not decreased after a week.

N.V. Match apologizes for the inconvenience caused by one of our suppliers.

The health and safety of our customers are extremely important to our business.

All customers who require additional information can contact our quality service at 071. 824228 or by e-mail to the following address: alertealimentaire@match.be

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Posted in EHEC, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Raw Milk, raw milk cheese

Germany – Morbier pieces – Suspected EHEC E.coli Contamination

Posted on December 18, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Lebensmittelwarnung

Alert type: Groceries
Date of first publication: December 15, 2023
Product name:

Morbier pieces

Product images:

Photo.JPG

FKS Frischkonzept Service GmbH

Manufacturer (distributor):

FKS Frischkonzept Service GmbH PO Box 11 03 51 41727 Viersen

Reason for warning:

Suspected EHEC contamination

Packaging Unit: varies: between 180g and 200g
Durability: 14/18/21/23/25/28/11/23 & 02./ 05./ 07./ 09./ 12./ 14./ 16./ 19./ 21./ 23./ 30.12.23
Additional Information:

Identity code: NL Z 0217 B EG

Further information can be found in the enclosed consumer information. 

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Posted in E.coli, EHEC, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing

Germany – MORBIER MAISON MONTS&TERROIRS loaves 7KG – STEC E.coli

Posted on December 14, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Lebensmittelwarnung

Alert type: Groceries
Date of first publication:

December 14, 2023

Product name:

MORBIER MAISON MONTS&TERROIRS loaves 7KG

Product images:

Product image.jpg
Manufacturer (distributor):

ROUTE OF THE TERROIR

Reason for warning:

Suspicion of the presence of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

Durability:

All batches of this product/range until 17/01/24

Production date:

Sales from 10/18/2023 Sales until 12/13/23

Lot identification:

Health mark: FR 39.558.002 CE; EAN 13: 3123939471257

Additional Information:

Escherichia coli (E.coli)

Most E. coli strains are harmless colonizers of the human intestine. However, they are an
indication of contamination of a food. There are also some E. coli strains that
can cause intestinal infections. E. coli infection manifests itself within a few days of
infection with diarrhea, abdominal pain and occasionally vomiting and a slight fever. The
symptoms usually go away on their own after several days. In particular,
infants, small children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems can
develop more severe illnesses. People who have eaten this food and
develop severe or persistent symptoms should seek medical attention and
report a possible E. coli infection. Seeking preventive medical treatment without symptoms
does not make sense.

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Posted in EHEC, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Lebensmittelwarnung, STEC, STEC E.coli

Canada – E. coli O157 outbreak at Calgary daycare centres is over, Alberta Health Services says

Posted on November 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

CBC

The E. coli outbreak that was declared in September and infected hundreds of kids at several Calgary daycares is now over, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said in a release on Tuesday.

A total of 11 sites, including six branches of the daycare service and five other locations that shared a central kitchen, have been declared outbreak-free, AHS said.

The outbreak left 38 kids and one adult hospitalized. Doctors diagnosed 23 patients with severe illness or hemolytic uremic syndrome while eight received peritoneal dialysis.

No fatalities were reported and all patients have been discharged from the hospital, AHS said, adding that 1,581 kids who were linked to the outbreak have now been cleared by doctors to return to daycare.

Central kitchen still closed

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Posted in E.coli, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food bourne outbreak, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

Norway -Updated: Serious E. coli outbreak is not over.

Posted on November 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

FHI

There is still a serious outbreak caused by the stomach and intestinal bacteria E. coli (EHEC), which in the worst case can cause acute kidney damage in children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Infection has so far been detected in 24 people. More than half of those infected are children under the age of 13, and 9 of these have developed serious illness.

The outbreak is still ongoing. Infection has so far been detected in 24 people. They fell ill from July to October 2023 and all are infected in Norway. They are aged 1 to 55 and live in Trøndelag (15), Viken (4), Vestfold and Telemark (2), Innlandet (1), Møre and Romsdal (1) and Nordland (1). 15 of the infected are under the age of 13. Nine of the children have developed the serious complication haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).

There is close cooperation between the Institute of Public Health, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, the Veterinary Institute and the concerned municipal chief medical officers. The outbreak bacterium has been found in hamburger, but other minced meat and stuffing products where the same raw materials have been used have also been withdrawn. The tracking work is complicated, and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority cannot rule out that more products may be withdrawn from the market. FHI clarifies that it is therefore very important that people follow the advice for good food hygiene. 

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Posted in EHEC, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

Research -Nestlé outbreak drives record HUS high in France

Posted on November 1, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

The number of children who suffered a potentially fatal complication of E. coli infection in France reached a record high in 2022, influenced by the Nestlé pizza outbreak, according to statistics recently released.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be a complication of E. coli infection, is a type of kidney failure that can result in lifelong, serious health problems and death.

In the outbreak caused by frozen Buitoni Fraîch’Up pizzas, 59 patients had a median age of 6. They fell ill between January and April 2022. Two children died.

Record HUS high
The 253 HUS cases in 2022 are the most since surveillance began in 1996. In 2021, 128 cases were reported. Santé publique France surveillance data on HUS only covers those younger than 15.

The sharp increase in incidence was partly driven by several outbreaks, including the one large Nestlé incident, but was also because of a lot of sporadic cases.

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Posted in E.coli, Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, HUS, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli